FIC REPORT (EDO STATE) – The Controller of Corrections, Edo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), CCS Julius Osemwengie, has called for stronger collaboration between the Command and the Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability to advance environmental sanitation, enforcement and monitoring across the State.
Osemwengie made the call when he led a delegation of senior officers of the Command on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Nosa Adams, Esq., at the ministry in Benin City.
The visit, according to the Controller, was aimed at identifying areas of mutual cooperation that would strengthen environmental compliance and contribute to the state government’s efforts to maintain a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
A major focus of the engagement was the participation of the Correctional Service in the State’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise, held on the last Saturday of every month.
Osemwengie appealed to the ministry to establish a stronger working relationship with the Command in this regard, noting that the involvement of correctional personnel would further support Government’s sanitation drive and encourage greater compliance with environmental regulations.
He also used the occasion to draw the Commissioner’s attention to a gully erosion site in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, urging the ministry to consider further intervention to address the environmental threat posed by the erosion.
Responding, Commissioner Adams disclosed that the ministry had previously carried out intervention work at the site, but assured the Controller that officials would return to reassess the situation and determine additional measures required.
The Commissioner further revealed that the ministry’s enforcement and monitoring department would be directed to work closely with the Correctional Service office in Auchi to address environmental concerns within the area.
Adams commended the Nigerian Correctional Service for its contributions to environmental safety and the creation of a conducive atmosphere for residents and businesses across Edo State.
He stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling environmental challenges, assuring Osemwengie and his delegation of the ministry’s continued support and partnership with the Correctional Service.
The visit also featured a gesture of recognition from the Controller to the Commissioner, as Osemwengie presented Adams with an award for efficient stewardship in environmental sustainability.
The award, according to the Controller, was in recognition of the Commissioner’s performance, leadership and efforts toward promoting environmental sustainability and implementing initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of residents of Edo State.
Receiving the award, the Commissioner expressed appreciation for the recognition and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to working with relevant Government Agencies and Stakeholders to achieve a cleaner and more sustainable Edo State.
The engagement was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Mrs. Edith Ebomoyi; senior officials of the ministry; the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service; and other senior officers of the Command.
By Adu Stella Nneka
Principal Information Officer, FIC Benin
September 8th, 2026.
